HTC plans "portfolio" of Windows Phone 7 Series phones

Already revealed in the official Microsoft blurb as official Windows Phone 7 Series partners, HTC and Orange have issued press releases outlining their commitment to the new platform.

HTC has said it will deliver a "portfolio" of Microsoft Windows Phone 7 Series phones "later this year" with Peter Chou, the CEO of HTC calling the release a "significant milestone".

From Chou: "Windows Phone 7 Series is a significant milestone for Microsoft, the industry and ultimately people looking to do more on their phones. HTC is working closely with Microsoft to bring the unique HTC experience that customers love".

"Microsoft has clearly listened to feedback from people and brought a new, fresh approach to the smartphone experience that is beautiful, powerful and compelling", Chou says.

Meanwhile Orange has issued a similar kind of release stating it plans to "deliver a range of phones in 2010 with smarter design and software integration that" - you guessed it - "are optimised for Orange customers".

Orange says it plans to combine its SIM and network authentication with Microsoft Windows Phone 7 Series to create a single customer ID, which will allow Orange customers single sign-on access to Microsoft services such as Xbox LIVE and Zune Music.